]]>What is the difference between an optimist and a pessimist? At BFTP’s annual iXchange on May 17, 2016, speaker Byron Reese presented a keynote on Bold Optimism, in which he addressed how to spot key technologies and identify the macro factors that will drive innovation. Reese shares his perspectives in this eight-part video series. #8 – https://youtu.be/jBWP2aoSkbo

]]>With deer hunting season in full swing, venison is gaining renewed attention as another meat option that is more healthful than beef. BFTP client Shaffer Venison Farms cited in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette feature – http://bit.ly/2gVsuZo

In his new position, Kluck will identify and support the development of start-up and early-stage technology-based firms and established manufacturers for potential Ben Franklin Technology Partners investment. He will develop and implement programs and projects to facilitate economic development efforts in the northeastern Pennsylvania region that he serves, which includes Bradford, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, and Union counties.

To accomplish these goals, Kluck will establish and maintain contact with community leaders and identify and develop resources at higher educational institutions. He will manage client projects in his region by evaluating needs, matching requirements with Ben Franklin in-house expertise and members of its Solutions Network or regional professionals, supervise project activities, and evaluate progress and performance.

Kluck will also manage the Bloomsburg Regional Technology Center (BRTC) business incubator, which is owned and operated by the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The BRTC is part of the 14-member Ben Franklin Business Incubator Network, among the largest incubator networks in the country.

Before coming to Ben Franklin, Kluck was a loan and business development officer for Fulton Mortgage Company. Before that, he worked for Geisinger Health System as a Sales Executive/Business Developer. He helped launch The Yodock Wall Company, a start-up traffic control firm, as National Sales/Marketing Manager. Prior to that, he served in management, quality, and marketing positions with Pennsy Supply, Inc.

Kluck holds an MBA in Finance/Marketing from Wilkes University and a BA from Bloomsburg University. He is a Leadership Hazleton graduate and has earned multiple salesmanship awards.

“Fred brings a combination of manufacturing, entrepreneurial, finance, and marketing experience that will be directly applicable to his work with Ben Franklin Technology Partners,” said Joe Lane, Vice President of Entrepreneurial Development. “He knows the regional business needs well and will be able to partner with other business leaders and organizations quickly and effectively.”

]]>BFTP’s Ken Okrepkie looked at the Scranton region’s manufacturing and technology sectors and then issued recommendations for adaptation and growth. He tops the list with more investment, and specifically increased access to early-stage capital. Via Northeast PA Business Journal

]]>http://nep.benfranklin.org/scrantons-manufacturing-technology-evolution/feed/0OraSure Wins Major International Contracthttp://nep.benfranklin.org/orasure-wins-major-international-contract/
http://nep.benfranklin.org/orasure-wins-major-international-contract/#respondTue, 29 Nov 2016 18:02:47 +0000http://nep.benfranklin.org/?p=8836OraSure Technologies, Bethlehem, has received an $18 million product supply contract to support a foreign country’s nationwide hepatitis C testing and treatment program with the goal of eliminating hepatitis C virus infection across the country by 2020. More via Lehigh Valley Business.

]]>OraSure Technologies, Bethlehem, has received an $18 million product supply contract to support a foreign country’s nationwide hepatitis C testing and treatment program with the goal of eliminating hepatitis C virus infection across the country by 2020. More via Lehigh Valley Business.

]]>http://nep.benfranklin.org/executive-leaders-radio-venture-idol-winners-fred-beste/feed/0Prospering in the Futurehttp://nep.benfranklin.org/prospering-in-the-future-2/
http://nep.benfranklin.org/prospering-in-the-future-2/#respondTue, 22 Nov 2016 14:05:38 +0000http://nep.benfranklin.org/?p=8822How can people prosper in the future? At BFTP’s annual iXchange on May 17, 2016, speaker Byron Reese presented a keynote on Bold Optimism, in which he addressed how to spot key technologies and identify the macro factors that will drive innovation. Reese shares his perspectives in this eight-part video series. #7 – https://youtu.be/MsqWPyByTTw

]]>How can people prosper in the future? At BFTP’s annual iXchange on May 17, 2016, speaker Byron Reese presented a keynote on Bold Optimism, in which he addressed how to spot key technologies and identify the macro factors that will drive innovation. Reese shares his perspectives in this eight-part video series. #7 – https://youtu.be/MsqWPyByTTw

]]>http://nep.benfranklin.org/prospering-in-the-future-2/feed/0Solar Innovations Wins NSA Awardshttp://nep.benfranklin.org/solar-innovations-wins-nsa-awards/
Mon, 14 Nov 2016 21:25:21 +0000http://nep.benfranklin.org/?p=8648Solar Innovations, Pine Grove, won four awards and was a finalist in three categories in the 2016 National Sunroom Association Design Awards. The awards recognize excellence in the design and installation of sunrooms, solariums, and patio rooms. Read more: http://bit.ly/2fzTuwZ

]]>Solar Innovations, Pine Grove, won four awards and was a finalist in three categories in the 2016 National Sunroom Association Design Awards. The awards recognize excellence in the design and installation of sunrooms, solariums, and patio rooms. Read more: http://bit.ly/2fzTuwZ

]]>Arkados Group – New Ben Franklin TechVentures Resident Companyhttp://nep.benfranklin.org/arkados-group-new-ben-franklin-techventures-resident-company/
Thu, 10 Nov 2016 19:01:36 +0000http://nep.benfranklin.org/?p=8643The Internet of Things (IoT) is a sort of digital infrastructure. It connects devices, vehicles, buildings, and other items through electronics, software, sensors, and networks. The IoT allows objects to be sensed and controlled remotely, creating opportunities for more direct integration of the physical world into computer-based systems. The goal is improved efficiency and accuracy, Continue Reading...

]]>The Internet of Things (IoT) is a sort of digital infrastructure. It connects devices, vehicles, buildings, and other items through electronics, software, sensors, and networks. The IoT allows objects to be sensed and controlled remotely, creating opportunities for more direct integration of the physical world into computer-based systems. The goal is improved efficiency and accuracy, and reduced costs.

Arkados Group, Inc. (OTC: AKDS)is a global provider of scalable and interoperable IoT solutions that focus on commercial buildings, factories, refrigeration units, and other machines for systems management and monitoring. Arkados’ cutting-edge industrial automation and energy management tools are comprised of software and hardware platforms that are the building blocks that enable the machine-to-machine communication necessary for various Smart Machines, Smart Manufacturing, Smart Building, and Smart City applications. The company works with customers to design and implement the most energy- and cost-efficient solutions in lighting, boiler, and combination heat and power systems.

Arkados develops innovative solutions on its Arktic™ software platform that enables sensing, data gathering and analysis, and machine-to-machine communication for smart building applications. The information gathered is used for measurement and verification, predictive maintenance, air quality, and energy management. Arkados’ systems help customers increase efficiency and reduce costs.

Ben Franklin TechVentures brings together entrepreneurs, a large network of experienced advisors and investors, and Lehigh faculty and students to accelerate the growth of the region’s technology economy. Ben Franklin staff support TechVentures resident companies with management guidance, business planning, strategic planning, and marketing counsel; as well as connections to follow-on funders and assistance in preparing and improving funding presentations. Ben Franklin shares its new Innovation Institute meeting, learning, and conference facilities space with resident companies, local corporate partners, and programs. Ben Franklin TechVentures provides an entrepreneurial culture that fuels innovation, hastens the success of early-stage technology firms, and supports high-value job creation.